Neuronal Development and Dysfunction

Our research objectives fall in the intersection of basic and translational neuroscience. We broadly study several aspects of the neurodevelopmental process, e.g. cellular mechanisms that regulate neuronal function, molecular contributions that determine neuronal specifications, and pathogenic effects of disease-associated genetic mutations that impair neuronal properties. We are also interested in developing novel protocols to directly convert non-neuronal somatic cells or embryonic/induced pluripotent stem (ES/iPS, respectively) cells into human neurons, and using these transdifferentiated neurons to gain mechanistic insights into human neurodevelopment and neurological disorders. Our work employs interdisciplinary techniques, e.g. cellular reprogramming, electrophysiology, high-resolution imaging, molecular biology, gene-expression, and biochemical analyses.